Kansas City PBS will take viewers behind the scenes of the largest public art project in Kansas City history – at the recently opened Kansas City International Airport. 19L (ONE NINE LEFT) is the newest documentary from Regional Emmy-Winning producer Brad Austin (Bird: Not Out of Nowhere, All These Delicate Sorrows). The film will premiere Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Channel 19.1. It will be available to stream at kansascitypbs.org the following day.
Since 1972, journeys to and from Kansas City have begun, or ended, on a 10,000-foot stretch of concrete known to KCI airport personnel as ’Runway 19L’ (Pronounced ONE NINE LEFT). This year, Kansas City will open a new airport terminal that will welcome fresh stories of family vacations, business travelers, future NFL stars, and international soccer fanatics.
19L (ONE NINE LEFT) chronicles the largest public art project in Kansas City history and the 19 local artists tasked with creating Kansas City’s first impression with those visitors at Kansas City International Airport. In 2019, Kansas City extended an open call to local artists for an opportunity to share their work in the new KCI Airport Terminal. More than 1,900 artists answered the call, and this is the story of the nineteen left.
“Brad Austin is a master of bringing the beauty of art to screen,” said Kliff Kuehl, president and CEO of Kansas City PBS. ”He’s done it once again with 19L, promising audiences a beautiful, behind-the-scenes view of creating, installing and unveiling the largest public art endeavor in our city’s history. Audiences are in for a treat with this unparalleled access.”
“I am always inspired by the incredible talent of artists right here in Kansas City,” said Austin. “The pieces they’ve created and installed are a stellar first impression when travelers walk through Kansas City International Airport.”
Support for this program was provided by AARP Kansas City, Herb and Bonnie Buchbinder, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts.